OnQ Blog

C-V2X transitions to early deployment in Colorado starting July 2018 [video]

CDOT, Ford, Panasonic, Kapsch, Ficosa and Qualcomm joined forces to make it happen.

Jun 5, 2018

Qualcomm products mentioned within this post are offered by Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries.

For decades, the capabilities and benefits that V2X technologies promised have lived only in the realm of sci-fi stories. Now they’re on the cusp of reality with Cellular V2X (C-V2X), which is expected to arrive as early as 2019.

Just days ago, C-V2X took another critical step toward commercialization when Ford, Panasonic, Qualcomm Technologies, and the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) announced plans to deploy C-V2X technology on select roadways throughout Panasonic’s CityNOW headquarters in Denver. Deployment in select areas along the I-70 Mountain Corridor is expected to follow later in the year. Panasonic will work with Kapsch TrafficCom in CDOT’s V2X development program, in which Kapsch TrafficCom will provide roadside units (RSUs), as well as with Ficosa to provide C-V2X onboard units (OBUs). This pivotal event shows how road operators and infrastructure vendors are coming together with automobile OEMs and suppliers to accelerate the adoption of C-V2X for greater road safety.

C-V2X momentum building among infrastructure players

Much has been said about C-V2X momentum with automobile OEMs and auto suppliers. Now, road operators and infrastructure vendors are ramping up C-V2X activities, equipping roadside infrastructure such as traffic signals, signs, and more with C-V2X-based roadside units (RSUs), adding fuel to the C-V2X success story.

In addition to this news out of Colorado, more evidence of infrastructure vendor support comes from Commsignia and Savari— both leaders in the V2X space. Both companies announced that their new roadside units (RSUs) will support C-V2X using the Qualcomm 9150 C-V2X solution. Furthermore, Commsignia’s onboard units (OBUs) will also be equipped with the 9150 C-V2X solution.

C-V2X deployment today paves the way to 5G for tomorrow’s autonomous driving

These most recent news stories illustrate advances in Rel-14 C-V2X, which is designed for low-latency direct communications for automotive safety — allowing vehicles to communicate directly with each other, to pedestrians, and to roadway infrastructure without relying on network coverage or a cellular subscription. We fully expect this form of C-V2X to be commercially available in the cars we drive as soon as 2019. Why should you care about the pre-commercial deployment of C-V2X happening in the U.S. or the growing list of infrastructure vendors supporting C-V2X?

In addition to the superior performance and cost efficiency of Rel-14 C-V2X for enhanced road safety, Rel-14 C-V2X paves the way for tomorrow’s Rel-16 5G NR-based C-V2X for autonomous driving. Just like its predecessor, Rel-16 5G NR C-V2X direct communication does not rely on cellular networks. The high throughput and ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC) capabilities of 5G NR C-V2X will enable autonomous vehicles to directly share their perception of the road, road conditions and surroundings, with each other and with road infrastructure in an efficient manner. These capabilities are designed to allow the vehicles to build a real-world model of the surrounding environment by sharing high-throughput sensor data with each other. Furthermore, vehicles can convey their intention and planned movements to each other using 5G NR C-V2X, enabling better autonomous path planning with a higher level of predictability and determinism.

With C-V2X, the road ahead for automobile safety and convenience looks better than ever — it is sci-fi coming to life. At Qualcomm Technologies, we’ve helped bring many sci-fi technologies to life – our inventions and foundational technologies helped drive the mobile industry to where it is today – the world’s largest technology platform. Now we’re focused on taking the auto industry to an all-new level by creating the breakthroughs, such as C-V2X and its evolution to 5G for road safety and autonomous driving, that enable the world’s leading automotive industry players to innovate, grow and ultimately deliver the best possible consumer experience.

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